Best Bet - (3) TUGGINGONCREDIT - Race 2
Spot Play (8) VANILLA MALTED - Race 8
Early Pick 4 - 4,6,7/2,4,5/2,4/1 - $3.60
Late Pick 4 - 1,8/2,3,5,6/6/2,3,4,7,9 - $8
Race 1 - (5) UNDERCOVER BRO makes his first start for the leading trainer and gets the services of the leading driver at Rideau Carleton; he should improve significantly on recent efforts. (2) Y S SUZANNE takes a steep drop in class and has the ability to pop for the first time this year. (6) UPVOTE HANOVER also steps down and has a shot if the race opens up for him.
Race 2 - (3) TUGGINGONCREDIT has two wins, both of which were in impressive fashion. All of her foes combined have two less victories; she should win. (6) DIAMOND CALL has hit the board twice in three lifetime starts. This one is useful in exotics. (4) MALVOLIO beat the second choice for place last week, but through an easier mile. These two will likely fight it out for the second spot again.
Race 3 - (6) BATTING STATS and (7) TALBOTCREEK SUZIE dueled down the lane last week. I’ll take the former on top due to slightly more work being done in the race and a win being recorded, but it’s sure to be close again. (4) ALACRITY drops to a spot that’s similar to one in which he’s won before. He’s coming off of a few tough efforts, and I expect him to contend.
Race 4 - (5) BADSTORMANYPORT has changed hands an astounding five times in five weeks, and now lands in the barn of top trainer Copley. The game of hot potato is likely to continue and so is this gelding’s good form. (4) DARCEE N will look to extend a two-race winning streak. He will threaten no matter where he races from; using. (2) HOPETOBEFIRST has been very competitive at the level below this, taking a lifetime mark two weeks ago. The step up should be only a small obstacle; this one is possible too.
Race 5 - (4) MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP threw away a likely victory with a break down the stretch last time. If he stays flat, he should be heading to victory lane this time. (2) GALAGHER SEELSTER has been forced wide due to poor posts in recent weeks, leading to chart lines that are better than they look. He will be dangerous from the two-hole. (1) MACHAPELO is fantastically consistent at hitting the board; use in exotic wagers.
Race 6 - (1) ARCHIES STAR qualified in 1:59.4, which may be enough to win this race if he can do it again; very probable. (5) JOHNNYS REVENGE raced well at this class last week and should be a contender again. (2) ORLYS DREAM moves in from post six and gets an easier condition. His last race was in 1:59.1; he will be tough.
Race 7 - (1) SAULSBROOK PEACH steps up from conditioned ranks, but he won in a very powerful effort last week. With the rail and Gagnon back in the bike, he’s in a great spot to win again. (2) SILVERADO steps up from the same race as the top pick. He was narrowly beaten there, and both horses were game; don’t discount. (5) BRIGADIERBRONSKI A closed in :27 last week in a half-length win. He will be able to capitalize if the pace falls apart.
Race 8 - (8) VANILLA MALTED has been forgotten by the oddsmaker here - the 9-2 morning line fourth choice has won nine of his past 11 and gets a very generous condition. Even from post eight, he should be a winner. (1) THE ROADIES steps up after a wire-to-wire win. These will be tougher, but the rail suits him well and should allow an ideal race setup for him; possible. (4) WESTERN PHIL will take on easier horses than in his recent starts. There may be a battle for the front with THE ROADIES, but if this one can get the lead and a breather, he can win.
Race 9 - (6) FLYING ISA N was arguably the best horse on the grounds before going to Georgian for a few starts. He was good there against tougher; a win in his first start back is likely. (5) PASADENA STAR has had his photo taken two weeks in a row, despite being parked in a quarter pole move. This sharp gelding has a chance once again. (3) WILDWILD MEN kept coming through a very troubled trip to grab second last week. Though he was disqualified there, the effort was commendable and bodes well for this outing.
Race 10 - (6) G A SPEED SAMMY is now eight-for-11 lifetime and is still at one of the track’s lowest conditions. It will take a lot for him to get beaten. (4) CAMS LUCKY SAM rode the top pick’s pocket to a place spot in their last race. That scenario seems possible again, and I have him picked for second accordingly. (7) WILDCAT CAM is a tough gelding who fought valiantly from post nine on August 15. A break of only three days inspires confidence; good for Triactor bets.
Race 11 - (3) GLOBAL SUPREMACY has little chance from the seven-hole in last week’s race at this class, but should have a better go from post three. He’s the top call in a wide-open event. (4) SUNSHINE CATCHER showed some ability to finish a mile in his recent try. That 1:57 time is excellent for a horse in this condition. A play on this gelding is recommended if the morning-line price is accurate. (2) ZARCONIA SEELSTER put in a solid 1:59.2 qualifier on August 11, which says that she’s ready after an extended break. (9) ARRHYTHMOGENIC was quite game to finish second despite being parked the mile last time. Post nine is tough, but she commands some respect. (7) SHYTOWN SHADOW rarely misses the top five, making him an excellent addition to the Hi-5 wager.
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Garnet Barnsdale is a veteran handicapper, bettor and racing writer who has worked as an analyst for DRF Harness for the past five years. He is also the current President of the Canadian Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.
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